The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has launched an LGBT-inclusive anti-smoking campaign. From the CDC:

Please consider posting this touchpoint on tobacco prevention and control created for LGBTQ audiences by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as part of its national ‘Tips from Former Smokers’ campaign.

The message in the graphic is simple, but the problem is complex.

The LGBTQ community in the United States continues to be disproportionately impacted by smoking, more so than any other population group,[i] and are twice as likely to smoke than heterosexuals.[ii] Higher levels of social stress, frequent patronage of bars and clubs, higher rates of alcohol and drug use, predatory marketing strategies by the tobacco industry and limited access to effective tobacco treatment,[iii] are significant factors.

LGBTQ youth are at risk too. Last year’s CDC report, which profiled tendencies and trends among LGBTQ youth, showed that cigarette use ranged from 8% to 19% among heterosexual students but ranged from 20% to 48% among gay and lesbian students;[iv] that’s more than double in some cases.

Despite these alarming statistics, many in the LGBTQ community do not perceive tobacco as a serious problem. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco interviewed the leaders of 74 LGBT organizations between 2002 and 2004 and less than a quarter of them felt tobacco use to be a pressing health concern.[v]

There’s no place for complacency when dealing with tobacco. Today, smoking cigarettes kills more Americans than alcohol, car accidents, suicide, AIDS, homicide, and illegal drugs combined.[vi]

In recognition of Pride Month, the ‘Tips from Former Smokers’ campaign wants to encourage the LGBTQ community to be proud and protective of their health.

Could we count on you to post this informative and motivational image on Gay South Florida, along with the link below so that tobacco users can learn of the free quit resources available to them?